Ontario Signs Two Blueliners

ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings, announced today that they have signed defensemen Andrew Martens and Dan Knapp to standard player contracts for the 2009-2010 season.

Martens, 28, just finished up his fourth professional season with the Reign last year. The Friendswood, TX native scored the first goal in club history against Bakersfield on October 18, 2008. Last season, in 48 games with the Reign, the defenseman scored seven goals and 24 assists for 31 points, and spent 78 minutes in the bin. Martens also had stints with the Manitoba Moose and Toronto Marlies of the AHL last season, picking up one goal and 10 assists for 11 points in 27 games with the clubs.

Knapp, 27, spent the 2008-2009 season on the Ontario blue line, recording four goals and 15 assists for 19 points and 82 penalty minutes in 58 games. The upcoming season will mark the third in his professional career for Knapp, who hails from Hermantown, MN.

“I played with a great group of guys last season, and I think we have a quality chance at a championship,” said Knapp on his reasons for returning to Ontario. “The fan support that the team gets is great in Ontario.”